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The Railway Thread; You asked for it...
Topic Started: Jan 6 2010, 12:52 PM (695 Views)
JeffLynnesBeard
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Here by popular demand - The Train Thread!

Er... so what do we do now? The snow's buggered everything up! :P
...and in the end, the love you take is equal to the love you make.
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ohnotjimagain
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Railways and snow don't mix in the UK.
With every mistake we must surely be learning.
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DCBeatle64
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Wings nutter
haha yay

I have to say when the first bout of snow appeared last year I was quite surprised that the trains were running not to badly. I think they fair better than planes when it snows
I'm a BIGGER Beatles fan than you and I'm an even BIGGER Wings fan than that...
'You're a Paul McCartney fan? No you're a Wings fan'. 'Thankyou Scotland' Ho Hey Ho...
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ohnotjimagain
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Railways will always be the best and safest form of public transport when it snow's. Also the railways are better prepared in Scotland because it snow's more often, most years I believe. In the south, apart from last February, heavy snow has been rare in recent years. Aircraft will always be badly affected because of the higher risk off skidding of the runway.
With every mistake we must surely be learning.
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Mark Stephen Baker
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ohnotjimagain
Jan 6 2010, 01:03 PM
Railways and snow don't mix in the UK.
I'm quite concerned that several TOC's appear to have had a pre-emtive give up this time round. They had posters down the Chessington South branch saying it'd be closed today even before the snow arrived.
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JeffLynnesBeard
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I agree, Mark. To hear that TOCs were running a revised timetable because of the weather forecast is a cop-out. They should at least try to run their full timetable and if they fail, well, at least they've tried.
...and in the end, the love you take is equal to the love you make.
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ohnotjimagain
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I've just been reading comments on the Evening Standards website and they were saying at Richmond that there will be a reduced service at 19.00 last night before any snow fell!
With the roads dangerous more people would look to rail to try and get them to work. I'm sure that with the intensive service run into London from the south the rails would be kept clear of snow.
With every mistake we must surely be learning.
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Monkey Chow
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beep beep m beep beep yeah
Snow Train

Snow Trains 2
Edited by Monkey Chow, Jan 6 2010, 09:56 PM.
Everybody's got something to hide 'cept for me and my monkey.
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DCBeatle64
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You would think with this obvious advanced notice that what they would actually do was try and bring about resources to try and prevent closure or delays but that is a giving up attitude
I'm a BIGGER Beatles fan than you and I'm an even BIGGER Wings fan than that...
'You're a Paul McCartney fan? No you're a Wings fan'. 'Thankyou Scotland' Ho Hey Ho...
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I am the buttplug goo goo goo joob
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NickAdams2010

I was meant to be going down Northampton a couple of days ago but decided against it, it would of been bedlam
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JeffLynnesBeard
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What, if you went to Northampton? How wild are you? :D
...and in the end, the love you take is equal to the love you make.
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NickAdams2010

I was meant to be meeting an "old friend" lets just say lol
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NickAdams2010

Oh i just remembered, where is the best place to ask for vacancies??
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A day in the life
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Trains have been better than buses, to be fair.

But yeah... snow day II for me today.

I'll try to get to the office tomorrow somehow. Was meaning to make some plans for the weekend too, but don't really want to get stranded out of town.. we may postpone I think.

We all wanna change the world.
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JeffLynnesBeard
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NickAdams2010
Jan 7 2010, 01:26 PM
Oh i just remembered, where is the best place to ask for vacancies??
In this technological age, the best place to search for vacancies is online.

London Midland are your local TOC and would be ideal for a "customer service" role;

Register your details here, in the "Careers" and the "Current Vacancies" section. Although there are no current vacancies, there's a place to register your interest and even attach your CV if you have one.

However, on the Virgin Trains site, they actually have vacancies at Birmingham New Street and Wolverhampton.

Here's the link: Virgin Trains Careers, so strike while the iron is hot!

Good luck. :)
...and in the end, the love you take is equal to the love you make.
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NickAdams2010

Cheers Andy that's a big help mate :)
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JeffLynnesBeard
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No problem - hope you get an interview. If you do, me & Mark will prep you for it!

Any problems filling in the application forms, just give me a shout.
...and in the end, the love you take is equal to the love you make.
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NickAdams2010

Damn i stuffed up, got one of the assessment questions wrong :(
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JeffLynnesBeard
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One wrong answer won't necessarily mean a fail - unless they've already told you you've failed?
...and in the end, the love you take is equal to the love you make.
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NickAdams2010

Thank you for taking the time to complete those questions truthfully and accurately.

Unfortunately due to your response we are unable to proceed with your application this time.

However we thank you for your interest in a career at Virgin Trains and wish you all the best in your future job search.

That's what it said after taking a couple of questions.
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JeffLynnesBeard
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Damn. :no:
...and in the end, the love you take is equal to the love you make.
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NickAdams2010

only really option is to re-register with another one of my emails and go again i don't want to give up
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JeffLynnesBeard
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Definitely. You didn't give any name or address details out, then?
...and in the end, the love you take is equal to the love you make.
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NickAdams2010

Nope just my email, but i have about 5 different ones anyway
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DCBeatle64
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Wings nutter
Might be worth a retry then...good luck
I'm a BIGGER Beatles fan than you and I'm an even BIGGER Wings fan than that...
'You're a Paul McCartney fan? No you're a Wings fan'. 'Thankyou Scotland' Ho Hey Ho...
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I am the buttplug goo goo goo joob
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NickAdams2010

Cheers mate you have been a big help. :)

Just putting how i worked in a Factory for 4 years now :-/
Edited by NickAdams2010, Jan 7 2010, 09:38 PM.
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DCBeatle64
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Wings nutter
well its still work experience and a long term thing so there are always the positive spins for anything
I'm a BIGGER Beatles fan than you and I'm an even BIGGER Wings fan than that...
'You're a Paul McCartney fan? No you're a Wings fan'. 'Thankyou Scotland' Ho Hey Ho...
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I am the buttplug goo goo goo joob
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NickAdams2010

Finally filled in the application, i'll do the other one tomorrow, i'm drained now lol
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JeffLynnesBeard
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Nice one. :)
...and in the end, the love you take is equal to the love you make.
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ohnotjimagain
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NickAdams2010
Jan 7 2010, 11:08 PM
Finally filled in the application, i'll do the other one tomorrow, i'm drained now lol
Good Luck. I was seriously thinking about replying to an advert for a job on the railways way back in about 1972. Sometime I still wish I went for it. :cry:
With every mistake we must surely be learning.
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NickAdams2010

I've been wanting to do it since being out of work, i know it wont be easy but if i keep trying i'll be ok
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Mark Stephen Baker
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NickAdams2010
Jan 7 2010, 06:56 PM
Thank you for taking the time to complete those questions truthfully and accurately.

Unfortunately due to your response we are unable to proceed with your application this time.

However we thank you for your interest in a career at Virgin Trains and wish you all the best in your future job search.

That's what it said after taking a couple of questions.
Can't you take it again?
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Mark Stephen Baker
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ohnotjimagain
Jan 8 2010, 09:47 AM
NickAdams2010
Jan 7 2010, 11:08 PM
Finally filled in the application, i'll do the other one tomorrow, i'm drained now lol
Good Luck. I was seriously thinking about replying to an advert for a job on the railways way back in about 1972. Sometime I still wish I went for it. :cry:
It's never too late.
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NickAdams2010

Hey Mark yeah i just re-registered with a different email and got the questions right the second time, then i filled in the application form which took about an hour. Long but hopefully worth it :)
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Mark Stephen Baker
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NickAdams2010
Jan 8 2010, 12:07 PM
Hey Mark yeah i just re-registered with a different email and got the questions right the second time, then i filled in the application form which took about an hour. Long but hopefully worth it :)
Do they give you any idea how long till you hear from them?
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NickAdams2010

Good Question actually i don't think they did :-/
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ohnotjimagain
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As someone who actually likes to travel by train (and bus at times) I've just realized that it's four months since I did either on my last trip to london. It's the longest period of time by train since 1968 and by bus since at least 1962, maybe several years earlier! Lucky I'm not getting withdrawal symptoms.lol.
With every mistake we must surely be learning.
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Mark Stephen Baker
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ohnotjimagain
Jan 17 2010, 09:55 PM
As someone who actually likes to travel by train (and bus at times) I've just realized that it's four months since I did either on my last trip to london. It's the longest period of time by train since 1968 and by bus since at least 1962, maybe several years earlier! Lucky I'm not getting withdrawal symptoms.lol.
We'll have a trip when the Bluebell bus starts running again.
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Mark Stephen Baker
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For anyone who hasn't seen it yet can I recommend Gtreat British Railway journeys on BBC2 at 18.30 weekdays. It a good, informative pleasent little program even though it is Micheal Portilo.
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NickAdams2010

Mark Stephen Baker
Jan 22 2010, 01:14 PM
For anyone who hasn't seen it yet can I recommend Gtreat British Railway journeys on BBC2 at 18.30 weekdays. It a good, informative pleasent little program even though it is Micheal Portilo.
So that's what he does in his spare time, sits on his arse on trains :lol:
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DCBeatle64
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I met Michael Portillo a few years back when he came to my uni and did a talk, I found him to be quite a nice guy and a very good speaker...even if I dont agree with his politics
I'm a BIGGER Beatles fan than you and I'm an even BIGGER Wings fan than that...
'You're a Paul McCartney fan? No you're a Wings fan'. 'Thankyou Scotland' Ho Hey Ho...
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I am the buttplug goo goo goo joob
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Mark Stephen Baker
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DCBeatle64
Jan 22 2010, 07:45 PM
I met Michael Portillo a few years back when he came to my uni and did a talk, I found him to be quite a nice guy and a very good speaker...even if I dont agree with his politics
Sadly he will always be conservative but on the bright side he is the politician who saved The Settle & Carlisle Railway.
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Mark Stephen Baker
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NickAdams2010
Jan 22 2010, 04:03 PM
Mark Stephen Baker
Jan 22 2010, 01:14 PM
For anyone who hasn't seen it yet can I recommend Gtreat British Railway journeys on BBC2 at 18.30 weekdays. It a good, informative pleasent little program even though it is Micheal Portilo.
So that's what he does in his spare time, sits on his arse on trains :lol:
Sounds like me.
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JeffLynnesBeard
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And me.
...and in the end, the love you take is equal to the love you make.
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NickAdams2010

hehe can't beat it
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NickAdams2010

I'm taking another application this one is for CSA job, and more assessment questions, if anyone can help
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JeffLynnesBeard
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Ask away, always happy to help!
...and in the end, the love you take is equal to the love you make.
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NickAdams2010

Ok first question is

The Virgin Trains Breakfast service is a key part of our first class service, attracting revenue from the business/commuter passenger. We offer a range of freshly cooked hot breakfasts as well as lighter choices.
You are a CSA onboard a peak-time breakfast Pendolino service. After welcoming your guests your headcount is 75 passengers in First Class. The onboard chef informs you that only 60 meals have been loaded. What do you do?

A: Make an announcement as soon as you receive this information to tell passengers what has happened and that consequently there will be changes to what is offered on their menus. Work with the chef and the rest of the team to reduce the service to a basic level. This way every passenger should get some food, even if it is not what they would normally be offered.

B: Announce that there has been a problem with suppliers (or the kitchen) and serve no food that day. Just offer juice and tea and coffee. Passengers are less likely to complain if they all in the same situation and will sympathise that this is out of the crew’s hands.

C: Run the service as normal until food runs out. It is important that we keep standards and our offers consistent and to brand standard. Offer apologies to the rest of the passengers. 15 passengers is easier to appease than a full first class...Hopefully not everyone will be eating anyway.
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NickAdams2010

Second one is

As an Onboard CSA, you are required to serve standard class passengers from the on-board shop, which offers a range of hot, cold and alcoholic drinks as well as snacks and reading material. The shop can often be extremely busy for the crew member designated to this duty.
On a weekend evening train, a gentleman approaches the counter attempting to buy a third round of alcoholic drinks. However, he is now quite obviously intoxicated. What do you do?

A: Serve the gentleman. You have already served him and refusing to do so now will aggravate the situation. He will quieten down once he returns to his seat with his drinks and if he becomes more of a problem the Train Manager is there to deal with the situation.

B: Politely refuse to serve any more alcohol and offer non-alcoholic alternatives. Inform the TM where the passenger is seated. If the passenger becomes aggressive, manage the situation with the back up of the TM and your team until the passenger can be safely offloaded at the terminating station. The train can be met with support here without incurring delays to your journey.

C: Tell the passenger he can’t have anymore alcohol as it is obvious to you that he has had too much. Close the shop to escort the man personally back to his seat.

I think i have an idea but it's better to be safe than sorry
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JeffLynnesBeard
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The first one is more tricky, but I believe the answer should be 'A', as 'B' would be a waste of food and resources and 'C' would be blatantly unfair to those 15 passengers who didn't get their breakfast.

The answer to the second one is definitely 'B'.
...and in the end, the love you take is equal to the love you make.
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NickAdams2010

Cheers for the help Andy, the first one was the one i was stuck on :)
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Mark Stephen Baker
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I want to go to York and see The Duchess in her bath tub.
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ohnotjimagain
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Mark Stephen Baker
Jan 31 2010, 01:42 PM
I want to go to York and see The Duchess in her bath tub.
Worth seeing Mark. I saw it last July.
With every mistake we must surely be learning.
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NickAdams2010

I thought you meant literally for a minute then :lol:
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Mark Stephen Baker
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ohnotjimagain
Feb 1 2010, 06:09 PM
Mark Stephen Baker
Jan 31 2010, 01:42 PM
I want to go to York and see The Duchess in her bath tub.
Worth seeing Mark. I saw it last July.
Want to go there again soon, I miss the Q1 too.
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NickAdams2010

Any suggestions on a good day out??? I just want to go somewhere for the day out of the way of this heap of a town and wind down, maybe build my confidence back up while i do it.

Nowhere expensive though cause im a bit short on cash at the minute
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Mark Stephen Baker
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Local to Cannock is that?
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NickAdams2010

:lol: yeah
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Mark Stephen Baker
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Strangly enough the only thing I can think of anywhere near there is The Severn Valley Railway.
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JeffLynnesBeard
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Kidderminster! Yep - do they still do the Daytripper passes?
...and in the end, the love you take is equal to the love you make.
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NickAdams2010

Stafford isn't a bad little town, went up there last year to see the castle, i think it's only a tenner return aswell.
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Mark Stephen Baker
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And do they sing 'one way ticket yeah' when they sell one?
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JeffLynnesBeard
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Only if it's Keith from Coventry station selling you the ticket.
...and in the end, the love you take is equal to the love you make.
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NickAdams2010

I've met him lol
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